Summary The Cessna 172M, C-FFJF, departed Victoria International Airport, British Columbia, at 0808Pacific standard time with the pilot and one passenger on board for a local sightseeing trip. The aircraft climbed on a southbound heading to 1500feet above sea level (asl), and the pilot reported level at that altitude. Five minutes after take-off, while operating inside the Victoria control zone, the aircraft descended from 1500feet to 300feet asl in about 10 seconds. Observers on the ground saw the aircraft recover from a steep, nose-down, spiral dive to a near-level flight attitude before striking trees. The engine noise was loud, and the general impression was that the engine was operating at high power. When the aircraft first struck trees, it was in a level pitch attitude with slight right bank. After initial contact, the aircraft travelled about 130yards before contacting a mature cedar tree; the secondary impact caused the aircraft to decelerate rapidly and break apart. The pilot of the aircraft died in the crash; the passenger suffered serious injuries. Ce rapport est galement disponible en franais. Other Factual Information At the time of the accident, the weather at the Victoria airport was as follows: wind calm, a few clouds at 2000feet above ground level (agl), overcast cloud at 9500feet agl, visibility 30miles, temperature 4degrees Celsius, dew point 3degrees Celsius, and altimeter setting 30.08inches. The aircraft was registered for commercial operation and was rented by the pilot. It had a valid certificate of airworthiness and, based on a review of the aircraft documentation, was being maintained and operated in accordance with approved procedures and regulations. A review of available records indicated that the aircraft weight and centre of gravity were within the approved limits at take-off. All major components of the aircraft were found at the accident site. A subsequent examination revealed that all damage to the aircraft's control systems and aerofoil sections were a result of the crash. The aircraft was not equipped, nor required to be equipped, with either flight data or voice recording devices and, as a result, no information was available to determine the activities in the cockpit immediately before the descent. The pilot held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence and had been issued a Category 1 medical certificate with a restriction that glasses must be available. A review of the pilot's records showed that he suffered a number of medical conditions that are generally accepted as being cardiovascular risk factors. No increased medical monitoring was being applied to this pilot, beyond a routine aviation medical screening. A post-mortem examination confirmed that the pilot had cardiovascular problems that would have increased his risk of sudden incapacitation or cardiac death. Results of a toxicology examination were negative for alcohol or drugs. The development of cardiovascular disease in licensed aviation personnel is a major concern among aviation medical practitioners. To address this concern, Canada has adopted a set of cardiovascular guidelines that are intended to assist in the medical assessment of cardiovascular fitness of licensed aviation personnel. These guidelines rely on the active monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors to identify aviation personnel having a higher likelihood of coronary artery disease. Major risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease are family history, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, abnormal blood lipids, and cigarette smoking. The aim of monitoring these risk factors and applying the accepted cardiovascular guidelines is to ensure that the risk of asymptomatic coronary artery disease causing sudden incapacitation is below internationally accepted levels, for risk management purposes.